10 color, mud and fun runs around Arizona in 2016
Get muddy, show how tough you are and let the Greek gods inspire you on these fun runs around the state.
The thought of running, even small distances, may seem daunting. But there are plenty of fun runs around Arizona that make running less intimidating.
Dash through black lights as bursts of color explode around you, run like the wind through picturesque vineyards, test your might as you do obstacle after muddy obstacle. Interested yet?
OK, so ditching a hoard of zombies might sound terrifying for some, but come on, it's pretty fun!
So whether you are a long-time runner or looking for something new to try with your friends and family, here are races for everyone.
4/2: Redneck Run
Make sure your flannel shirts are ready for this country-themed shindig and choose from a 5K, 10K, 10K plunger relay or a Country Mile. Kids and dogs are welcome and redneck prizes will be given for best costume, fastest time and "purdiest" decorated plunger.
Details: Saturday, April 2. 10K, $40; 5K, $35; Country Mile. $10. Starts and finishes in front of Jobing.com Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Ave., Glendale. 480-609-3978, www.redneckrunaz.com.
4/2: Rugged Maniac I
Are you looking for an intense course? With more than 3 miles and more obstacles than many other mud runs offer, these 25 challenges including the “Frog Hop,” “Tipping Point” and “Pyromaniac” will get you wet, muddy and exhausted, but it will be worth it. An all-day party waits at the finish line.
Details: Saturday, April 2. First wave starts at 9:45 a.m. $69-$100 (price goes up as the date approaches). Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, 20000 S. Maricopa Road, Gila River Reservation. www.ruggedmaniac.com/events/phoenix.
4/3: Dionysus Dash 5K
Let the Greek god of wine inspire you as you dash through a vineyard with other toga-clad runners. Registration includes wine tasting and a T-shirt, plus a wine glass and goodie bag for finishers. Prizes will be given for top finishers and best costumes.
Details: Sunday, April 3. Gates open at 6:30 a.m., race starts at 8:15. $39.99. Windmill Winery, 1140 W. Butte Ave., Florence. 415-992-3110, www.dionysusdash.com/#!arizona/c1kay.
4/9: Dirty Girl Mud Run
Tutus and mud blur together during this 3.1-mile event for women. Find out who has the fastest feet as “You Go Girl,“ climb a wall to “Get Over Yourself” and jump through flames in “Hot Mess.” The race encourages participants to raise money for breast and ovarian cancer awareness. And it's all in fun -- the course is not timed or competitive.
Details: Saturday, March 9. Waves every 15 minutes starting at 9 a.m. $75-$79 (price goes up as the date approaches). Wild Horse Motor Sports Park, 20000 S. Maricopa Road, Gila River Reservation. godirtygirl.com/phoenix-az-2016/.
4/9: Warrior Dash
A 5K course with 12 obstacles including "Goliath," where you climb a two-story wall and slide down the other side, and the "Warrior Roast," where you jump over a line of fire. Wondering how to train for what you might encounter on the course? Check out the website (although I'm not sure how roasting marshmallows is going to be helpful).
Details: Saturday, April 9. Waves start from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. $65, $75 starting March 2, $100 on race day. Camelback Ranch, 10710 W. Camelback Road, Glendale. www.warriordash.com/location/2016-warrior-dash-arizona/.
4/30: Tucson Extreme Terrain Mud Run
These 5K and 10K courses have you crawl through tubes, walk on narrow balance beams and splash through mud. If you end up a little muddy — and you will — showers are provided at the end of the race. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third places on both courses. There's a Little Monkey half-mile race for kids.
Details: Saturday, April 30. Waves every 15 minutes starting at 8 a.m. $65 for 5K, $70 for 10K, $35 for Little Monkey race. Old Tucson Studios, 201 S. Kinney Road, Tucson. 928-255-1212, terrainracing.com/events/tucson.
4/30: Tough Mudder
On this 10- to 12-mile course you will have to conquer more than 20 obstacles. The "Cage Crawl" will have you backstroking under 60 feet of steel fence, and you must jump over bales of hay surrounded by live wires in "Electroshock Therapy" before you can claim your finisher's beer.
Details: Saturday, April 30. First wave at 9 a.m. $135-$145, price increases on Feb. 25. 11349 S. Ellsworth Road, Mesa. toughmudder.com/events/2016-arizona.
5/1: Tough Mudder Half
This 5-mile course will take you through more than 15 obstacles. Zip-line on the "Flying Squirrel, "Walk the Plank" into a pool of mud and try to make it up "Everest" on your first try. There are even special Mudder Village obstacles that spectators and participants are encouraged to try.
Details: Sunday, May 1. First wave at 9 a.m. $75-$85, price increases on Feb. 25. 11349 S. Ellsworth Road, Mesa. toughmudder.com/events/2016-arizona-half.
7/23: Flagstaff Extreme Terrain Mud Run
Want to see the cool pines of Flagstaff in a new and exciting way? How about on a 5K to 10K course as you make your way over 6-foot-high walls, crawl through mud and climb 16-foot-high cargo nets. This event offers competitive waves. If you end up a little muddy—and this course promises you will—showers are provided at the end of the race. Prizes will be awarded for the overall 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the 5K and 10K divisons.
Details: Saturday, July 23. Waves go off every 15 minutes starting at 8 a.m. $70 for 5K, $75 for 10K, $40 for ages 2-8. Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course in Fort Tuthill County Park, 3 miles south of Flagstaff off Interstate 17. 928-255-1212, terrainracing.com/events/flagstaff.
11/5: Rugged Maniac II
Can't make the race in April? Here's another chance to try it. This event promises to have new obstacles. Registration includes a shirt, medal, pictures and one beer. Celebrate with other Maniacs at the afterparty.
Details: Saturday Nov. 5. First wave starts at 9:45 a.m. $39-$100 (price goes up as the date approaches). Rawhide Western Town, 5700 W. North Loop Road, Gila River Reservation. www.ruggedmaniac.com/events/phoenix2/.